Triumph Tiger 1200 and Explorer: specifications, generations, accessories
Two bikes under the same name: the Explorer through 2021 and the Tiger 1200 from 2022 onward
In 2022 Triumph redesigned the flagship from the ground up: new frame, T-plane engine, twenty-five kilos less. For accessories, this means that Tiger Explorer 1200 and Tiger 1200 are two separate worlds, and almost no code carries over from one to the other. The richest part of the catalog — case frames, stand plate, risers, navigation mount — is dedicated to the GT Pro from 2023 onward.
- In summaryTwo distinct generations, with catalogs that barely overlap.
- Do this firstSide-case frames and cases, if you have the GT Pro from 2023 onward.
- AttentionFour different handguard kits: the year and trim level matter.
- SharedThe CANsmart control unit and auxiliary light kit also fit the Tiger 900.
- BrandsLOBOO, DENALI, Barkbusters, Eazi-Grip, Kaoko.
Who it's recommended for
It's the right bike if
- You want a travel maxi bike with the character of a three-cylinder engine instead of the usual twin
- You cover miles two-up with luggage: the GT Pro has symmetrical 37+37-liter frames and cases
- You're interested in a used Explorer: it costs little and still has handguards, auxiliary lights, and cruise control in the catalog
- You're looking for a flagship that's lighter than average: from 2022 onward it weighs twenty-five kilos less than the Explorer
- You know whether yours is pre- or post-2022: almost every code depends on this
Look elsewhere if
- You have an Explorer and are looking for luggage: the catalog's frames and cases are only for the GT Pro from 2023 onward
- You're looking for a crash bar from us: this model isn't in the catalog in any generation
- You want to tackle demanding off-road riding: even the Rally remains a 240 kg maxi bike
- The fuel consumption of a 150-horsepower three-cylinder engine weighs on you
- Order handguards by eye: there are four codes here, and they change by year and trim level
In a nutshell: it's the English flagship, and you should buy it knowing which of the two generations you're looking at. If you're looking for the same setup with more accessories and less weight, the Tiger 900 is the more practical choice; if your use is purely on-road, there are more protective tourers.
The two generations
| Tiger Explorer 1200, 2012-2021 | Three 1,215 cc cylinders, shaft drive, a 20-liter tank, and a weight exceeding 260 kg in the accessorized versions. The catalog includes handguards, auxiliary light brackets, horn brackets, tank stickers, and two mechanical cruise controls. |
|---|---|
| Tiger 1200, from 2022 | New design with a 1,160 cc T-plane engine and twenty-five kilos less weight. GT, GT Pro, GT Explorer, Rally Pro and Rally Explorer versions. This is the generation with dedicated luggage, kickstand plate, risers and navigator mount. |
What to install, in order of priority
The list starts with the generation from 2022, which has the most extensive catalogue. Dedicated Explorer codes are at the end.
- 1
GT Pro pannier frames, from 2023Designed for symmetrical 37+37-litre panniers: on a motorcycle with shaft drive and a low exhaust, the symmetry simplifies loading. - 2
Aluminium panniersTo be paired with the dedicated frames: the long-distance touring setup for Triumph's flagship. - 3
CJC921 kickstand plate, from 2023Aluminium and 304 stainless steel, 171 grams. On a loaded motorcycle weighing over 240 kg, the stock stand sinks into soft ground. - 4
CANsmart accessory controllerDesigned for the Tiger 1200 and Tiger 900: controls the auxiliary lights and horn from the stock buttons, without cutting wires. - 5
DL4 auxiliary light kit with wiring and clampsCompatible with the Tiger 1200 and Tiger 900. The clamps attach to a bar, so a crash bar must already be installed. - 6
25 mm handlebar risers, from 2023An extra twenty-five millimetres changes your posture on long stages and when riding standing up. - 7
Navigator mount with 90 mm crossbarAvailable with a 12 or 22 mm bar: it holds the navigator securely instead of hanging from the handlebar. - 8
Barkbusters handguard kit, four distinct codesThis covers the GT, Rally and Explorer from 2022, and the GT Pro and Rally Pro from 2023. There are also the kit for the GT, GT Pro and Rally Pro 2022, the one for the Explorer XCA from 2018, and the BHG-059 for the Explorer up to 2017, shared with the Tiger 800. The bar and guard are chosen separately. - 9
Tank traction pads, from 2022Kit for GT, GT Pro, and Rally Pro. For the GT Explorer, there is a dedicated code, and for the 2012-2021 Explorer, its own. - 10
For the Explorer: auxiliary light and horn mountsThe auxiliary light mounts for the 2016-2021 XCa attach to the bike's mounting points, while the SoundBomb horn mount provides a place for it without drilling.
For the Explorer, there are also two Kaoko mechanical cruise controls, and the choice depends on the handguards: one for 2013-2017 models with the original handguards, and one for the 2012 Explorer without OEM handguards, shared with the Tiger 800. For the generation from 2022 onward, there is also the protective film for the GT. Completing the range are the Wanderer semi-rigid panniers, the aluminium top case, the tank bags with mounting ring, the folding mirrors, and the motorcycle cover.
See all accessories for the Tiger 1200Compatibility table
2022 separates two different motorcycles: almost nothing carries over from one generation to the next.
| Accessory | Explorer 2012-2021 | Tiger 1200 from 2022 | Tiger 900 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frames and panniers | not in the catalog | yes, GT Pro from 2023 onward | No, its own code |
| Kickstand plate | no | yes, GT Pro from 2023 onward | No, its own code |
| Handlebar riser and navigation mount | no | yes, GT Pro from 2023 onward | no |
| CANsmart control unit | no | yes | yes |
| DL4 auxiliary light kit with collars | no | yes | yes |
| Dedicated auxiliary light and horn mounts | yes, XCa 2016-2021 | no | horn only |
| Barkbusters handguard kit | two codes | two codes | no, separate codes |
| Tank decals | 2012-2021 code | GT, GT Pro, Rally Pro and GT Explorer | no |
| Kaoko cruise control | two codes | no | no |
| Crash bar and skid plate | not in the catalog | not in the catalog | not in the catalog |
Brands with dedicated accessories
LOBOOLuggage and ergonomics, GT Pro from 2023 onwardPannier frames for symmetrical 37+37 L panniers, aluminum panniers, CJC921 kickstand plate, 25 mm risers and navigation mount.
BarkbustersHandguards, four codesTwo kits for the generation from 2022 onward and two for the Explorer, one of which is shared with the Tiger 800.
DENALILighting and electricalCANsmart control unit shared with the Tiger 900, DL4 auxiliary light kit, auxiliary light mounts and horn for the Explorer.
Eazi-GripGrip and protective filmsTank decals for the Explorer, GT, GT Pro, Rally Pro and GT Explorer, plus the protective film for the GT.
KaokoCruise control for the ExplorerTwo separate codes, one for those with the original handguards and one for those without them.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Explorer accessories fit the Tiger 1200 from 2022 onward?
Almost none. In 2022, the frame, engine and bodywork changed: handguards, decals, auxiliary light mounts and cruise control have different codes. This is a case where the model name is not enough and the year is needed.
Which handguard kit is needed?
There are four. For the generation from 2022 onward: one for the GT, Rally and Explorer from 2022, as well as the GT Pro and Rally Pro from 2023 onward, and one for the 2022 GT, GT Pro and Rally Pro. For the older Explorer: one for the XCA from 2018 onward and the BHG-059 up to 2017, shared with the Tiger 800.
I have the Explorer: can I fit panniers?
Not with dedicated frames, because those in the catalog are for the GT Pro from 2023 onward. The semi-rigid strap-mounted panniers and soft luggage remain available, as they do not require a frame.
Does the CANsmart control unit also fit the Tiger 900?
Yes, it is listed as compatible with both. The same applies to the DL4 auxiliary light kit with collars, which nevertheless assumes that a crash bar is already installed.
Which Kaoko cruise control fits the Explorer?
It depends on the handguards: there is one code for the 2013-2017 model years with the original handguards and one for the 2012 Explorer without OEM handguards. The handlebar end is what differs.
Do you have a crash bar for the Tiger 1200?
No, in neither generation. The auxiliary light kit with collars actually assumes that a crash bar is already installed on the motorcycle.